IPSID: Immunoproliferative Enteropathy Of Basenjis
Betsy Polglase, Massachusetts interview with Dr. Edward Breitschwerdt, D.V.M. (2001)
This is an excerpt from an interview with Dr. Edward Breitschwerdt, D.V.M., long-time l.P.S.I.D. researcher, first published in the Basenji Club of America newsletter during the mid-1990’s.
Previously known as Immunoproliferative Small Intestinal Disease (I.P.S.I.D.); also Malabsorption or Diarrheal Syndrome, I.P.E.B. is an intestinal problem causing intermittent anorexia (loss of appetite), chronic diarrhea, debilitation and weight loss. It appears to affect multiple organ systems including the skin, liver, endocrine system, immune system and gastrointestinal tract, and it ultimately ends in death.
The diagnosis is difficult to make; serum protein electrophoresis screening, serum IgA concentration tests and intestinal biopsy have been used as indicators, but no one test is definitive. Other possible causes for the symptoms (giardia, food allergies, etc.) should first be ruled out.
Dr. Edward Breitschwerdt, D.V.M., long-time l.P.S.I.D. researcher, states that a very high probability exists that I.P.E.B. is present when the following criteria are met:
- Chronic diarrhea
- Malabsorption
- Low serum albumin
- High serum globulin
- High serum IgA concentration
Treatment consists of stress management for the dog and oral tylosine, metronidazole, tetracycline and trimethoprim plus sulfadiazine.
Article copyright © 2001 by Betsy Polglase. All rights reserved.
